Summary
- Game soundtracks are crucial for creating immersive experiences.
- Dynamic music enhances gameplay, reacting to player actions.
- Well-crafted soundtracks adapt to game events, enhancing storytelling.
What makes a great game? Is it the gameplay, the graphics, or the story? The answer could be said to be a combination of all of these factors, and this would include the music score and sound effects.
8 Open-World Games With The Most Immersive Soundtracks, Ranked
These great open-world games showcase excellent soundtracks that help immerse the player in their expansive settings.
Many game development studios spend a small fortune on having a compelling soundtrack created by professional musicians, as well as investing heavily in creating suitable sound effects and music that fit with the game. The very best games have multiple versions of a soundtrack that will be triggered based on the actions of the player and what is happening in the game world, in a dynamic way.
1 Horizon Zero Dawn
Changes From Melodic To Foreboding
Horizon Zero Dawn
- Released
- February 28, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Guerrilla Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Horizon Zero Dawn is an exquisitely crafted open-world game, with the player filling the shoes of Aloy, a young lady investigating the mysteries of the past, and attempting to save a world from robotic enemies. With its post-apocalyptic setting, the game makes great use of a dark and foreboding soundtrack at times.
8 Best Horror Games For Feeling Fear, Ranked
These horror games have the power to keep players up at night for days on end, and they will make you feel genuine fear.
However, the soundtrack is fully dynamic and does, at times, change to a gentle, melodic backdrop. When the player is exploring, for example, the soundtrack is much more ambient. But when the action starts, the tempo increases and the music becomes much more dramatic. Overall, the game does a good job of using the soundtrack to support the evolving game world.
2 Nier: Automata
The Music Can Be As Emotional As The Story
NieR: Automata
- Released
- March 7, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
As action RPGs go, Nier: Automata does a fantastic job of tackling deep philosophical questions, such as the need for an identity, and finding a place in the world. The soundtrack in this game is incredible. It was composed by Keiichi Okabe and changes dynamically to suit events taking place in the world.
The score is emotional and plays a big part in setting the scene and vibe during gameplay. The music doesn’t just change dynamically, it changes volume as well, sometimes a subtle backdrop, and then other times, pushing to the fore to add urgency and immersion.
3 Red Dead Redemption 2
Even NPC Interactions Can Change The Score
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Red Dead Redemption 2 likely needs no introduction; it is widely renowned as one of the masterpieces of the open-world sandbox genre. The music score was composed by Woody Jackson and often follows the Wild West theme very closely. However, there are also times that it doesn’t, switching to music that is more appropriate for the actions the player is performing.
The music that is played as the player rides their horse across the plains is entirely different from the music heard when a gunfight is taking place. Player choice can also impact the score. For example, if the player commits a crime, the soundtrack becomes darker and more foreboding, and some NPC interactions can trigger a score change as well.
4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Compelling Combat Music
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Noted as being one of the best open-world role-playing games, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt screams quality from character creation to the endgame. One of the most engaging aspects of the gameplay is the way that the music score changes to complement the current activity the player is involved in.
This is never more apparent than when the player, in their role as Geralt, enters combat. When combat is initiated, the soundtrack changes, and the tempo is increased. As the combat becomes more difficult and dangerous, the music becomes more intense. Overall, this adaptive music backdrop goes a long way to making the game as good as it is.
5 Journey
Emotionally Immersive Soundtrack
Journey
- Released
- March 13, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Thatgamecompany
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
There can be no doubt that, visually, Journey is a fantastic-looking game. As the player works through their epic desert journey, the soundtrack changes, depending on what is going on around the player. Indeed, few games have such a high-quality soundtrack as Journey, as it was created by the award-winning composer, Austin Wintory.
10 Games With Relaxing Soundtracks, Ranked
These games include calming tunes that enhance gameplay, mixing wonderfully with visuals to give serene, immersive experiences for players.
The music changes dynamically, based on several factors, not just combat. There are also audible clues when a player is close to uncovering a secret and when the player completes certain actions. Overall, the soundtrack is a vital part of the storytelling in Journey.
6 BioShock Infinite
From Calm To Chaotic
BioShock Infinite
- Released
- March 26, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Irrational Games
- Genre(s)
- Shooter
BioShock Infinite was released a decade and a half ago, and it is still a very playable game today. Part of the reason for the game standing up so well after so many years is the amazing soundtrack that was composed by Garry Schymen, renowned for his work on major TV shows and movies, as well as games.
The soundtrack changes dynamically to support the storytelling and help drive the narrative. As the player interacts with the world around them, the sound alters to fit the current activity. For example, the soundtrack becomes calmer during a section of narrative, and ramps up again when the player enters combat. Overall, BioShock Infinite is one of those games that capitalizes on dynamically driven music well.
7 Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Soundtrack Reacts To Environmental Changes
Metal Gear Solid 5 The Phantom Pain
- Released
- September 1, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain has a soundtrack that was composed by Ludvig Forssell, who also worked on the amazing soundtrack for Death Stranding. This excellent score reacts dynamically to player actions and also changes in the environment.
One thing that the dynamic soundtrack in Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain does very well is convey a feeling of peril and risk when the player is using stealth. Few games do stealth well, let alone accompany stealth mechanics with a fitting soundtrack. There are also dynamically created audible clues to let a player know whether they are working toward a successful resolution to their actions.
8 Dead Space
Atmospheric And Tense
Dead Space
- Released
- October 14, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Visceral Games
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Dead Space, despite being an older title, is a fantastic example of how a dynamic soundtrack can add to the playing experience. This is an often tense game, with the player taking on the role of Isaac Clarke as they explore an abandoned space station to uncover its secrets.
How Atomfall's Soundtrack Evolves Throughout the Game
Atomfall's soundtrack lulls players into a sense of normalcy before fully embracing the weirdness and mystery of the game's world.
The soundtrack for Dead Space was composed by Jason Graves, who also worked on other well-known titles such as Tomb Raider and Far Cry Primal. As the player’s perceived peril increases, the soundtrack changes dynamically to build tension and suspense. It fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the often creepy space station as well. Arguably, Dead Space would never have been so well-received without this dynamic backdrop to the gameplay.
8 Indie Games With The Best Soundtracks
These indie games stand out with their memorable sountracks that are worth listening to even when you're not playing.